Interview with Gabi Domenig
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?
Since I can remember painting was always part of my life. Even as a little girl, I had the DREAM to become a painter. After graduating from the commercial academy I moved to Salzburg with the plan to study ART at the Mozarteum. Unfortunately, I was not accepted. I should come back next year and try again. I never came back. The disappointment was too big and my self-confidence was destroyed. Unfortunately, REALITY has broken my wings for many years. It hurts a long time and blocked me creatively. Today, many years later, I see this crisis with different eyes. Everyone has to go his own way. Learn, experience, fall deeply, get up, carry on, do not give up. With or without detours. It is important not to lose sight of the goal, to keep the dream alive and to remain authentic. The passion lives. Do not let anything or anyone stop you. Today I am grateful that I could develop my own style.
My first exhibition in 1999 was a great success and I got such a wonderful feedback from my guests. I thought I would DREAM, floating on clouds, heartbeat and totally happy. This touching experience gave me back my self-confidence and I began to paint with even more energy and joy.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
My star sign is Capricorn. I am very consistently when it comes to my goals. I can develop a lot of energy through my passion for painting and I have a long breath. With my heart profession I have gone through many ups and downs within the last 20 years. My inner fire is burning and I will paint as long as I can hold a paintbrush. My head is full of ideas, my heart is full of passion and I wish I will stay healthy, powerful and get very old to paint all the pictures that still want to be painted.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
The inspirations for my pictures meet me everywhere. In the media, such as film, television and (music) videos, on the Internet, on trips, in newspapers, books, in pictures and texts and in the flow of life itself.
My main theme was always the woman. I want to show women in their size and uniqueness consciously and thus to pay respect to those who still do not get enough despite the great daily work. If I was not a painter, I would certainly be involved in women's and children's rights policies.
What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?
My wish and my goal is to take the viewer of my pictures for a few moments into my DREAM world. Let him dive into my colors, trigger good vibrations, delight the heart and soul and put a smile on his face. I want to make the viewers sensitive to the equality between women and men, for the respectful interaction with each other.
To remember them to treat nature and animals with love and kindness and to keep our beautiful planet healthy and liveable for our children and grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren. Nature still paints most beautifully!
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
I usually work on three pictures at the same time. I always have everyone in the field of vision. I always spontaneously decide which picture to paint on. Sometimes I put it back after a few hours and work on another one. So I have the necessary distance. The angle changes. After the provisional completion of my pictures always rest a few days, always ready to make corrections, to change trifles. My belly tells me when the time has come to apply the final varnish.
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
The most exciting moment in my art career was last November. I was among the finalists at the Global Art Awards 2017. I traveled to Dubai. At the Award Ceremony in the ballroom of the Armani Hotel in Burj KalifaI I learned that I am within the Top 20 in the painting category with my artwork PARADISE MADONNA. A wonderful feeling!
And last week I got a good message from ARTAVITA (USA). From 682 participants I was finally among the Top 50. I got a Certificate of Excellence for my submitted works at the 26. Online Contest. Pleasure!
How long does it take to produce one work?
Hard to say because I work on several pictures at the same time. Of course, it depends on the size and the richness of detail. For a detailed picture like the Paradise Madonna in the size of 120x80 cm I work about 10 days until it is completely finished.
What exciting projects are you working on right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artworks?
A few weeks ago I completed my work on two projects.
You can see them on my website : https://www.domenigartdesign.at/news/
1. A charity project called ART ON EGG. Twenty-one local artists each painted an ostrich egg in their own style. I participated with my egg LADY BUTTERFLY.
2. A flags travelling exhibition. 98 artists painted a flag in the size 180x80 cm. Theme SPACE-TIME-NATURE. I have chosen a variation of the Paradise Madonna (here titled QUEEN OF NATURE) because it appeals to so many people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vak-7K84oZw
In May 2018 a portrait of myself and my painting will be published in the well-known and oldest women's magazine of Austria WORLD OF WOMEN. A great honor.
https://www.welt-der-frauen.at/
In the fall of 2018 I will be represented in an English art book called ARTIST-Collector`s Edition (Masters of today) with 12 pages. The most extensive presentation of my art, which has been published in an art book so far.
I am working on a new series of T-shirts, bags and lampshades and ennobled prints. I will set up a webshop on my website until the end of April, because the demands are rising, which makes me very grateful and happy.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
From 13.-15. of April 2018 I will participate in the WOMAN´S ESSCENCE SHOW in Madrid/Spain with my artwork MADAME BUTTERFLY.
Since the beginning of 2018 I have had 6 participations in projects and exhibitions. Much energy besides family and company. I will finish now two orders and then I will take a little break. My family will get again more in the focus. After our summer vacation, I am looking forward to bring the impressions of the tropical islands La Reunion and Mauritius to the canvas. I can hardly wait to experience the colorful splendor of the Creole culture, to the people, the nature, the scents and motifs!
Where do you see your art going in five years?
I will paint bigger artworks which are telling more and more stories. I also want to paint more landscapes. Perhaps my own fashion label?
I fell in love with London when I was the first time there as an Au Pair in 1984. It always pulls me back. Every time I go there, I visit the wonderful Tate Modern. I have the dream to present my artworks in this holy halls someday! One can dream and not lose sight of the goal. Maybe then I am already an old lady.
Another dream and a big wish is to earn much money with my paintings that I can support or even initiate larger social projects for children.
